Policy Background and Description
Policy Description & Presenting Problem
In this section, describe the policy. Give brief background that includes: 1) The name of the policy (act), 2) when the policy was established, and 3) what the policy is intended to do, including what aspects of individual and family well-being is the policy designed to address. In addition, describe: 4) problems/issues surrounding the policy (for instance, how the policy does not meet the “ideal” and what current opposition/issues are present with this policy).
Policy Background
In this section, give background/historical information about the policy. Here, you would likely want to discuss: 1) what lead to the development of the policy (i.e. social issues/problems present at the time), 2) who proposed the development of the policy (i.e. who is connected with the policy’s development), and 3) what the policy was initially intended to do (i.e. goals and objectives of the policy). Include 4) your understanding of the policy’s desired outcome/result from the a) policymaker’s perspective and b) from the client’s perspective. This background section should also include: 5) the types of benefits or services that are to be provided by the policy and 6) the potential benefits of the proposed policy. Finally, 7) discuss what amendments have been a part of the policy’s history/development and how those amendments added to/changed the initial goals/objectives of the policy.
Policy Funding and Function
Service Delivery & Eligibility
In this section, discuss: 1) the services/programs offered by the policy. Include: 2) who is eligible to receive the benefits/services and 3) how the eligibility is determined.
Funding
In this section of the paper, describe 1) the potential/current costs associated with the program/services connected to the policy and 2) how the policy is funded.
Micro, Mezzo, & Macro Impact
In this section of the paper, discuss: 1) what the micro implications of the policy are (or will be) on society, 2) what the mezzo implications of the policy are (or will be) on society, and 3) what the macro implications of the policy are (or will be) on society. Include: a) a definition of each level of social work practice and b) insight on cultural implications – to include minority/marginalized/oppress groups and how the policy affirms (or does not affirm) culture.
Perspectives & Recommendations
Use this section of the paper to provide your overall perspectives of the policy (i.e. strengths and challenges); to include: 1) ways the policy does meet the “ideal” and ways the policy does not meet the ideal- include what the intended consequences are and consider potential unintended consequences, and 2) your overall recommendation on what should happen with the policy (i.e. keep, change, remove).
References
Use appropriate sources, at least 3 peer-reviewed references, along with think tank policy briefs or reports, or information from government entities or advocacy groups, in APA format.